Bradford lass recently returned from living in Rome. Rediscovering Yorkshire, searching for a decent coffee.

Cooler summer nights in Rome. It’s too hot to go out during the day so make the most of those sultry nights.

It’s almost 40 degrees. Two, if not three showers a day weather. Everyone is about to leave Rome for the beach or mountains. The rest of us are left wilting in the heat and praying for the sun to go down. I’ve been hiding in air-conditioned rooms during daylight hours for the past two weeks. Thankfully, Estate Romana always has plenty of events to help you make the most of those cooler summer nights if you’re staying in the city.

On my to do list this week and over the long month of August are:

Last few days of the Trastevere Film festival organised by Piccolo Cinema America. Free classic films in Piazza San Cosimato. Go to Fatamorgana for gelato, before, during, after…

The Miracle Players are performing historical comedy at the Roman Forum this Friday and next.

Choose one of Castel Sant’ Angelo‘s many concerts or guided tours – events until 6th September.

Find a new rooftop bar – my current favourite is the bar at the First Hotel for the views and friendly service.

These though are some of my annual summer favourites:

Luglio Suona Bene

Summer is about the only time of the year when you’ll get a pop or rock star to venture further south than Milan. With festivals such as Luglio Suona Bene, Rock in Roma and music at the Città dell’Altra Economia you can enjoy an outdoor gig almost every evening over the summer (but then almost nothing for the rest of the year so you have to make the most of it). This year’s highlights include an eclectic mix: Slash, Robbie Williams, Mumford and Sons, Spandau Ballet, The Fratellis and my own favourite Mr Paul Weller.

Outdoor cinemas

Parks, piazzas and even the Tiber Island transform into open-air cinemas for the duration of the summer.

My personal favourite is always this one in grounds of the Castel Sant’Angelo under the lovely Roman pines. A list of venues is available here, hopefully with more to be announced soon.

Lungo Il Tevere

During the summer, the river is finally put to good use. From the end of June to September the Tevere opens its banks to bars, restaurants, shops and a cinemas for overheated Romans. Balmy evenings are spent watching the world go by and having a cheeky cocktail or two, or perhaps a jug? (I am from Bradford).

Festival di Caracalla – Opera and Dance in the Shadows of the Ancients

The Festival, organised by the Teatro Dell’ Opera is a yearly operatic spectacular. Set within the impressive remains of ancient imperial bath complex built by the Emperor in 216, at 25euros (for the cheap seats) sitting under the stars, you’re getting a bargain.

Cocktails with a View

This elusive bar with its stunning views over looking the city, appears every year only during the summer months on the Gianicolo Hill above Trastevere. Come September there will be no trace of it. Lovely cocktails, I recommend the slightly Italian take on the French 75 of gin, prosecco and lime. Hoping that it will be there on my next visit.

Serate di Grande Musica al Cortile di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

Designed by Borromini in 1642, the beautiful Sant’ Ivo alla Sapienza courtyard comes alive every summer with a music festival. This year’s music ranges from the Beatles, Gershwin, Mozart, Vivaldi and a night of tango.

Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre

Ok, so it might not be the original theatre, so the plays (as you can see from the poster) are in Italian. This year though the final play, Comedy of Errors, will be performed in the original English. To have an almost perfect copy of the Globe in the beautiful setting of the Villa Borghese park, with balmy nights perfect for enjoying a three hour performance without fear of rain, it is a treat not to be missed. More information here.